Hebrews 12:18-29 (NRSV)
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Verse 18You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, Verse 19and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them. Verse 20(For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death." Verse 21Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear.") Verse 22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, Verse 23and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, Verse 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Verse 25See that you do not refuse the one who is speaking; for if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject the one who warns from heaven! Verse 26At that time his voice shook the earth; but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven." Verse 27This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of what is shaken-that is, created things-so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Verse 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; Verse 29for indeed our God is a consuming fire.
Devotion
The risk to humans and to physical structures make fire prevention a top priority in Montana forests, despite the natural regeneration that fire would bring to these lands.
The image of God as a consuming fire is not always welcome either. There is something comforting about God as a mother hen or as a shepherd, but something frightening about God as a consuming fire. Frightening until we remember God’s promise, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine...when you walk through fire you shall not be burned..."(Isaiah 43:1b-2).
The flames of God’s consuming fire are not meant to destroy life, but to transform it. At the heart of the divine fire is a love and presence which is our security and our hope. This fire is needed in the world. May God give us the courage to welcome it.
Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for your love in Christ which can never be destroyed. With trust and hope in your coming kingdom we live with confidence, seeking your will. Amen.